The city of Philly often gets a bad rap. Watching news stories which typically highlight negative viewpoints which tend to be sensationalist in nature do not offer a true picture of what is there. These programs focus on the negative to gain and retain viewership. That people want to focus on the bad and ugly is a major societal problem.
I like to highlight the positive. While the world is not sunshine and rainbows, focusing on negative items only increases the darkness.
Yesterday I went for a 40 mile ride through the city which took way longer than it should have. The reason is simple, I will talk to anyone and did so on this ride.
This young gentlemen, whose birthday is June 19th, I met while waiting on my bike at a red light. As a birthday gift I gave him an extra fresh fruit drink which I had just purchased up the street. We chatted for a bit when he let me know that he has some upcoming surgeries and rehab and that he might try cycling after that to keep young. He also revealed that he has over 30 years of sobriety under his belt. Way to go, I am so proud of you!
Later, when traveling through South Philly I took a ride around FDR Park and then back up to Pops Water Ice for some cool refreshment. I typically get different flavors of water ice and then go over to Marconi Plaza to eat it in the shade and watch a game or two going on over there. After finishing my summertime treat I met this lovely young couple who had also gotten some water ice from Pops and chatted with them for a while.
I have said this before and will say it again. Philly has a vibe and that is passion for everything that unites us, from our teams to the fact that we have that spirit of independence which is how this country was formed in the first place. I love our city!
